Answers: General Questions

What does royalty free mean?

Royalty free means you just need to pay for rights to use the item once per end product. You don't need to pay additional or ongoing fees for each person who sees or uses it.

Please note that there may be some limits placed on uses under the different license types available on the marketplaces, such as our Photo and Music Licenses (see the PhotoDune and AudioJungle FAQs for more information)

Example: If you license a brochure template and create a printed brochure given out for free, you don't need to pay extra for each copy of the brochure you make. If you use a 3d model in a game under an Extended License, you don't need to pay extra each time the game is sold.

I'm not sure if my use is covered. What should I do?

Answers: Regular & Extended Licenses

What are the main differences between the Regular License and the Extended License?

In simple terms, the main difference is that under the Regular License, your end product (incorporating the item you've licensed) is distributed for free, whereas under the Extended License your end product may be sold. Of course, if it was all that simple, we'd have a one sentence license, so please do read the licenses and the rest of these FAQs for more details!

Please note that our Music Licenses, SFX Licenses and Video Media Licenses allow for both free and paid uses. The following FAQs in this section on free versus paid uses do not apply to these specific licenses. For more information on the Music Licenses and SFX Licenses see the AudioJungle FAQs, and for Video Media Licenses see the VideoHive FAQs.

Is the Regular License the same thing as an editorial license?

No, our Regular License is for a free end product (whether or not the item is used in the end product in an editorial way). And our Extended License is for an end product that's sold (whether or not the item is used in the end product in an editorial way). If you want to use an item in an editorial way in your end product, choose the Regular License if your end product is distributed for free, and choose the Extended License if your end product is sold to the end customer.

I am planning to use the item in a product that I will sell. Which license do I need?

Which license do I need for an end product that is freely accessible or freely distributed to users?

As long as the end users can freely access the end product, the Regular License is fine. There can be more than one end-user (the person who uses the end product, such as the end consumer) as long as there is only one, unique end product.

Example: A flyer that you freely give out or a YouTube video that's free to view

I am a commercial entity or run a business. Do I always need an Extended License?

No, just using the item in a commercial setting doesn't necessarily mean you need an Extended License. You need an Extended License if the end product is sold to end users. If the end product is free, even if you are a commercial enterprise, you only need a Regular License.

Example: Even though a web store is commercial, as long as users can access the site itself without having to pay, a Regular License is sufficient.

Do I need an Extended License to use an item in the packaging for a physical end product that I'm selling? What about for advertising for an end product that I'm selling?

Which license do I need for an end product that is free, but has parts you need to pay to access?

If the item is used within the free part, the Regular License if fine. If the item is used only in a part that requires payment to access, you need the Extended License.

Example: If you were using a 3d model of a sword for a game and you could only get the sword by buying it, you'd need the Extended License. If it was the starting weapon that even non-paying users could use, all you'd need is the Regular License.

Can I purchase an Extended License for an item and use it within another item I plan to sell as stock?

Can I use a template to create my printed end product and, without any further customizations, sell the product?

Yes. Some templates are designed to create a printed product and require little or no modification before use in the printed product. You will need an Extended License to sell the end product. Keep in mind that you should not sell the template itself.

Example: You purchase a greeting card template and get it printed on cards that you sell.

If I purchase an Extended License, do I get a multi-use, multi-domain, multi-client or developer license?

No. The Extended License is still limited to a single end product, but you can re-sell that product. The few exceptions are images from PhotoDune, and Tools (which allow multiple use and have their own license). Additionally our SFX and Video Media Licenses offer a multi-use option. See "Permitted Multi-Use" FAQ section for more details.

Does the Extended License allow me to create an app or service that generates customized versions of the file for users? Or can I sell multiple customizations of an item under an Extended License?

No. The Extended License only allows for a single end product. By allowing your users to download their own customized versions, you're allowing the item to be used in multiple end products. You could purchase a single license for each user that picks that template.

Example: You can't use a flyer template within an online flyer generator that allows users to include their information and download a customized flyer

Do you have a developer license?

Answers: What is a single application?

What is a single application?

A single application means one unique end product (which can be copied and made available to end users of that product). The end product depends on the nature of the item - for an item like a logo template, the end product is the final, unique logo, which can be used in unlimited ways. The next few FAQs explain some situations where we consider allowed variations or a series of related uses to be a single application.

Most of our licenses are single application, however see the "Permitted Multi-Use" FAQ section for a few specific exceptions. Where multi-use is an available option, the single application FAQs here do not apply.

Example: A website theme can only be customized to create one customized website. If you want to create a second website from the same theme, you should purchase another license.

Do I need a separate license each time I use an item in a series?

What constitutes a series (eg TV series, webisodes, or a magazine with monthly editions)?

To be considered a series, all things in the series (eg episode, edition) must be connected, and be released within 1 year of the first installment. There is also a maximum of 52 episodes or editions within the series.

Example: A 12 episode TV series that starts in December and ends in July would only require a single license. A YouTube series that releases an episode every week (52 total) would only need to purchase a license once every year. A magazine that releases an edition every other month would need to purchase a license once every year.

I am doing an ad campaign with several variations on the same ad. Do I need a new license for each ad variation?

You should purchase 1 license for each substantially different ad.

Example: If you have 3 identical ads with just minor text changes, just one license is fine. If you use a single template to create ads for 3 different products/services, you should purchase 3 separate licenses.

Can I use a tool (brush, font etc) to create different end products?

Yes. Anything considered a tool uses the Tools License and can be used, by one person, an unlimited number of times on an unlimited number of end products. For more information see the FAQ "What does the Tools License allow me to do?"

Example: You could purchase a Photoshop action and apply it to every photo you ever take.

Are item "packs/bundles" still limited to a single end product?

Each item within the "pack/bundle" (multiple existing marketplace items grouped together and sold as a new unique item) essentially gets its own license. Meaning each item can be used on a maximum of one end product.

Example: If you purchase a pack of 10 music items, you could use each song to create a different video

Answers: What is not a single application?

Can I use the item in different end products? What about if I buy an Extended License?

No. Items purchased from Envato Market are limited to a single end product. The few exceptions are images from PhotoDune, and Tools (which allow multiple use and have their own license). Additionally our SFX and Video Media Licenses offer a multi-use option, see the "Permitted multi-use" section below for more details.

Answers: Permitted multi-use

Can I use a PhotoDune item in different end products?

Yes. You can use a PhotoDune item in different end products. Our PhotoDune Regular License is a multi-use license, but is subject to a reproduction limit. See the PhotoDune FAQs for more information on reproduction limits and multi-use.

What does the Tools License allow me to do?

For a tool, such as a font or Photoshop brush, you are allowed to install the tool on up to 2 computers and use it yourself. You can then create many different end products using the tool. The tool itself is not to be re-distributed. For full details see the Tools License.

Does the Extended License allow multiple use of the item?

What if there is a Multi-Use option available in the purchase box?

Certain items offer both a single use as well as a multi-use license to choose from. Where available, purchasing the multi-use option allows multiple use of the item. The multi-use option is currently only available for our SFX License and Video Media License. Please see those specific license terms for more details.

Am I allowed to use an item in an "on demand", "made to order" or "build it yourself" product or service (e.g. online video or animation rendering services, "create your own" slideshow apps, e-card generators)?

No, not even with a multi-use license. You can only use an item in this way if you purchase a separate single-use license for each final customized product that is created by a customer.

Can I store the item on an intranet so everyone has access?

No, items must be stored in a location where only those who need them have access. If you purchased a single-use license, once the item has been used in a single end product, the only place you should store it is in the archive files for that end product.

Answers: Advanced questions

Your license has changed. Which version of the license applies to the item I purchased?

I'm a freelancer/agency. Can I use the item for an end product I'm doing for a client?

Yes. You're essentially buying the file on your client's behalf. Whether a regular or Extended License is needed will depend on your client's use of the end product. With both the regular and Extended License you are allowed to charge your client for creating the End Product. Once you transfer the end product to the client (eg giving them source files for the item), be sure to link your client to our licenses and delete the item itself from your computer.

Example: If you create a website for a client using a WordPress theme, you could give him the theme as long as you deleted it and linked to our license

Is my license transferable?

Generally, your license is not transferable. There are a few exceptions:

If you are a freelancer / agency using the item for a single end product for one client. The license would in effect be transferred to the client.

If you sell the single instance of an end product, such as a website installation. The license would in effect be transferred to the new owner.

If you are using the item as part of an on-demand "create-your-own" service where you purchase a separate license on behalf of the customer for each individual
end product they make. Each license would in effect be transferred to the customer.

Can I license an item and then use components from it, instead of using the entire item?

Yes, to some extent. You can modify an item and so you're allowed to delete components from it that you don't want (still only using the item in one end product). But you are not allowed to take just one single component from an item and use it on a stand-alone basis.

Example: You can delete unwanted components (like button graphics) from a website theme. You may not take a photo from a flyer template and use it on its own. You may not pull a music track out of an After Effects template and use it on its own. You may not pull out and use a plugin/extension included with a specific theme item and use it on its own or with another website/theme.

Are warranties offered on the items?

Do I need to protect the items within my end product from being re-used?

You should not permit end users of the end product to extract an item from the end product. You should do this by technological means if feasible, or by other means, like in the user terms for your end product.

Example: When you upload your website template, be sure to not also upload the ZIP with all the source files.

Do I have to credit the author of the item in my end product?

No, it's not mandatory to give the author credit. But we do encourage that if your end product has credits as part of its design (such as a film or TV show), please credit the author and Envato Market. Also, as the author retains ownership of the item, you shouldn't claim copyright in the item.

Example: If you used footage in your movie that already has credits, we ask that you include a credit. If you use a button graphic in a website, you don't have to credit the author of the button graphic.

Answers: Trademark Use & Real-World Products

What does 'This item may not be property released' mean? Can I still use this item in my project?

'Not property released' means that the author of the item you’ve purchased may not be the owner of the intellectual property rights in a real-world product or trademark that appears in the item. If an item contains a real-world product or trademark (or any other real object or building), the original owner of copyright, trademark or other rights in that real-world thing may not have cleared the item. If an item does not contain a real world product, trademark or other real object, then this notice doesn’t apply.

So if you want to use the item for your project, you’ll need to consider how you'll be using the item. If it's for a non-editorial purpose you'll need to get clearance from the original rights owner. That's because there is no connection between the original rights owner and Envato or the author. The original rights owner also does not endorse the item, the author or Envato.

For example, the author has created a 3D model of a Mercedes car. The car is a real-world product which the author did not create. Although the author created and owns the 3D model, they don't own any intellectual property rights in the real car itself, Mercedes does. So it's OK to use the 3D model for editorial purposes but if you want to use that 3D model for other purposes, you'll need to contact Mercedes to get permission.

How can I tell whether I might need further permissions to use an item?

If you're not sure whether the item contains something that might need further permissions for use, ask the author whether it contains a real-world product or trademark. If you're not sure whether you need permission for your particular use, you can look at the product owner's brand use or product use guidelines, or contact the product owner directly. If this is something you're not able to do, another item containing a generic product or a product of the author's own creation might suit your needs.

Does this apply to all items across all the Envato Market sites?

No. This only applies to items with real-world products and trademarks in the actual item. This is most likely in product mock-ups (graphics items), product promos (motion graphics project files) and 3D items.

This does not apply to PhotoDune items, which are available for commercial use. This also does not apply to images of products and trademarks used illustratively in item previews, as they're not included in the item you download.

What does 'editorial use' mean?

Is this item still 'royalty free'?

Yes. Royalty free means you pay for the item once for each end product, and you don't need to pay any additional or ongoing fees for each person who sees or uses it. This is separate to whether you need a clearance from the owner of rights in the real world product or trademark within an item.

Answers: ThemeForest & CodeCanyon

What does '100% GPL' on an item mean?

Sometimes an author will choose to distribute a theme or plugin item on the basis that it's 100% GPL (GPL stands for "general public license" and is an open source license). If so, this is noted on the item page and license information will be included in the download files. In these cases, the GPL license applies to the whole item instead of the terms of the Regular or Extended License. Different versions of the GPL exist and the relevant version of the GPL will identified. You will need to make sure that you read and abide by the GPL terms. Other items have a split license - more info on that here

What does the split license mean? What about the GPL for themes and plug-ins?

Can I use an email template for all my newsletters or do I need to buy a license for each one?

Just like a series (see the single application FAQs), newsletters must be connected, and be released within 1 year of the first installment. There is also a maximum of 52 newsletters released per license.

I have a paid service where users can customize their own web pages. I am purchasing an admin template to use this service, which is accessed by my users. Which license do I need?

Answers: VideoHive

Do I need to include the author or site in the credits for my video?

No, it's not mandatory to give the author credit. But we do suggest that if your end product has credits as part of its design, please credit the author. Also, as the author retains ownership of the item, you shouldn't claim copyright in the item.

Can I use stock footage or motion graphics video clips in paid/commercial end products? What about After Effects templates?

Yes, all of our Video Media Licenses can be used with both free or paid end products. Unlike the Regular and Extended Licenses, they do not differentiate between non-commercial/commercial uses.

Please note that this is not the case for After Effects and other video templates, which fall under the Regular and Extended Licenses. After Effects templates used in paid end products require the Extended License.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use stock footage with people/models?

Yes. Even if footage of people is model released, footage with images of people can't be used in a way that implies the model is personally endorsing something. They also cannot be used for sensitive subjects. Sensitive subjects are those that could be offensive or highly unflattering to the model or put them in a bad light (using a reasonable standard), such as medical and health issues, sexual activity, pornography (adult content), substance abuse, tobacco use, or immoral or illegal activity. This is not an exhaustive list so if you're not sure, contact support.

I am using an After Effects template to create my logo sting (logo reveal). Do I need to buy a license for each movie that logo sting goes in?

No. The customized/rendered logo reveal is the final end product and it can be used in any number of movies without having to purchase another license. Remember that you need a new license for each use of the template to create a unique logo reveal.

Answers: AudioJungle

Can I use music or sound effects in paid/commercial end products?

Yes, all of our Music Licenses and SFX Licenses can be used with both free or paid end products. Unlike the Regular and Extended Licenses, they do not differentiate between non-commercial/commercial uses. Please note the Music Licenses, may have other limitations on reproductions or broadcast audience, depending on which option you choose.

Are "Logos & Idents" and "Source Files" considered "Music" items even though they are not actually in the "Music" category?

Are "Sound Effects" included under the Music Licenses?

No. Sound Effects are not considered to be music, and have their own SFX Licenses for single or multi-use. Where the following FAQs refer only to music or Music Licenses, they do not apply to sound effect items.

Can I use sound effects in multiple end products? What about music?

Your licenses prevent the use of items as logos. What about audio logos?

Yes, you can use audio logo items as "sound" logos. Keep in mind that the audio logo is still a stock item and therefore can be used by other people, and you still however cannot claim trademark or service mark rights on the audio content.

Can I use an AJ track in a stand-alone music track? What about sound effects?

Can I use music in an audio-only end product such as a podcast, audiobook, or guided meditation?

Yes, as long as the audio-only end product is larger in scope and different in nature than the music itself. As a rule of thumb, the music alone must not comprise the primary value of the end product, and should have speech overlayed and interspersed throughout. You can never distribute the music track as-is or with superficial modifications.

Example: You can use a relaxing music background to underscore your guided meditation voiceover recordings, and sell a CD of this to your spa customers.

Can I use music from AudioJungle on YouTube? Why have I received a "matched third party content" copyright notice via YouTube about AudioJungle music used on my YouTube video?

Yes, you can absolutely use licensed AudioJungle music in your YouTube video.

YouTube takes copyright infringement seriously, and its Content ID audio detection system will occasionally display a copyright notice on videos using licensed AudioJungle music. This typically isn't a bad thing, it simply means YouTube has found some material in your video that's owned by someone else. To clear this notice, you simply need to let YouTube know that you have licensed the music and have the rights to use it.

If I make a clip for YouTube using music from AudioJungle, can I monetize the clip by allowing ads?

What is the difference between limitations on copies, downloads, audience size, views and impressions?

Copies and downloads apply when an end product is distributed to an end user and they retain ownership of the end product in physical or digital form (e.g. a DVD, app, video game, or audiobook). The number of copies/downloads of the end product you are allowed to distribute may be limited depending on the Music License you purchased.

Audience size applies when an end product is for Broadcast use, be it traditional television or radio or online substitutions of these. For a full definition of Broadcast see "What is the difference between streaming video and online broadcast" FAQ. The size of the audience you are allowed to broadcast to may be limited depending on the Music License you purchased.

Views and impressions apply to non-Broadcast end products displayed on the web, and are a measure of how many visitors have seen or played your end product. None of our licenses place any restrictions on page views or impressions.

Example: Your home video uses music licensed under the Music Standard License. You upload it to a user-generated video-sharing platform, and goes viral with over 1,000,000 views. Relax and enjoy the fame, you’re still covered by this license.

We consider online broadcast to include online content services which distribute professional, syndicated Broadcast content, such as Netflix, Hulu, or other internet television providers.

Streaming web video is everything else, including videos uploaded to your personal or business website and on user generated content networks such as YouTube or Vimeo.

All of our Music Licenses including our base Standard Music License allow for streaming web video. With Broadcast use however, you'll need one of our Broadcast Licenses, and there may be limitations on your allowed audience size depending on which one you choose. There are no audience size limitations for non-Broadcast streaming web video.

How do I know my Broadcast audience size?

If you are using a music track in a Broadcast project, simply ask your client or producer what their intended audience size is for the production, meaning the maximum number of people the Broadcast has the potential to reach.

As a general rule of thumb, an audience size up to 1 million tends to be more for local and hyper-targeted broadcasts, 1-10 million is more on the regional-to-national scale, and above 10 million is typical for national and international broadcasts. Please note this may vary depending on your location and target market. In some places, this audience size measure is similar to the broadcast DMA.

Do I need to pay a performing rights organization (P.R.O.) if my end product containing AudioJungle music is publicly performed or broadcast?

For the vast majority of buyers and end uses, typically no, you shouldn’t need to worry about any additional performing rights fees.

Some AudioJungle music is registered with a P.R.O. and other music is not. For all music, please be aware that different countries and P.R.O.s may have different rules and criteria, so if you are unsure whether your project and use is considered to be public performance, or whether you may be obligated to pay additional performing rights fees, you should contact your local P.R.O. for more information.

I have a store that sells greeting cards. Can I buy a greeting card template and sell the printed end product, even if I don't modify the template?

I have a store that sells t-shirts. Can I buy a t-shirt template and sell the printed end product, even if I don't modify the template?

Yes. For a template intended to create a printed end product, you don't necessarily have to modify the template design. We have specific T-Shirt Template Licenses. The standard T-Shirt License allows free distribution, or sale, of up to 10,000 printed t-shirts. The T-Shirt Extended License is required for more than 10,000 prints.

Do I need to buy a new Powerpoint template license each time that I present it?

Do I need a new license each time I use my logo created from a logo template?

No. You only need one license for each unique logo that you create. That is the end product, which you can then use in unlimited ways. Remember that you need a new license for each finished logo that you create.

I design stuff for clients and use logo templates which I customize. Can I transfer my customized logos to my clients?

Yes. A customized logo is the final logo and can be transferred to your client along with the usual fees for your service. However your client should be aware that the logo is a stock item and is non-exclusive which can be used by other people, and cannot be trademarked.

I have customized a logo for a client, can they trademark the logo?

No. The specific nature of non-exclusive stock Logo Licenses does not allow anyone to claim an exclusive right to use the logo template or final logo. This includes not applying to trademark their final logo.

Can I use a T-shirt template for other purposes like a logo?

Answers: PhotoDune

Is there a limit of the number of times a photo can be reproduced?

Yes, under the PhotoDune Regular License for all end products, except websites, the photo can only be reproduced up to 500,000 total times (including any client work). You'll need one Regular License per block of 500,000 copies. Under the Extended License there is no reproduction limit.

Example: If you use a photo in a flyer, you can print 500,000 copies of that flyer.

Can I use a photo for different end products?

Can I use the same photo for multiple clients?

Yes. Photo licenses allow use in multiple end products and for multiple different clients (subject to the reproduction limit in the previous FAQs). But your clients are not allowed to extract, repurpose, or reuse the original photo in any other way. In that case they would need to obtain their own individual license for the photo (e.g. by purchasing it themselves, or you purchasing one on their behalf).

Example: You can use the photo to create customized flyers for different clients, but your clients can’t then reuse the photo to create their own flyers in the future, unless they have their own license.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use stock photos with people/models?

Yes. Even if images of people are model released, photos with images of people can't be used in a way that implies the model is personally endorsing something. They also cannot be used for sensitive subjects. Sensitive subjects are those that could be offensive or highly unflattering to the model or put them in a bad light (using a reasonable standard), such as medical and health issues, sexual activity, pornography (adult content), substance abuse, tobacco use, or immoral or illegal activity. This is not an exhaustive list so if you're not sure, contact support.

Answers: Author licensing FAQ

Can I use an Envato Market item in my own item preview without purchasing a license?

Yes, if you only use it in your preview on Envato Market and you only use the watermarked item. You must link to the original item in your item description. Remember not to include the item in the download. See this article.

I'm an exclusive author. Someone has approached me to buy my item on different license terms. Can I do this?

Can I purchase an item to use as a smaller component within a larger project that I plan to sell as stock or a template? For example, could I purchase a button graphic for a theme I plan to sell?

Use of items in larger stock projects is not allowed as the default position under the licenses, but there are exceptions.

Exception 1: When you purchase an Extended License and get written permission from the original author to use in your stock item sold via Envato. Keep a copy of the email giving you permission.

Example: A CodeCanyon author has a slider and gives permission by email to a ThemeForest author to use the slider, under the Extended License, in a theme.

Exception 2: When an author gives a blanket permission (in the item description) for the item to be used in other stock items sold via Envato, with the purchase of an Extended License. Keep a record of this permission if you use an item in this way (e.g. save a screenshot).

Example: A CodeCanyon author has a slider and states in the item description that any buyer is permitted under the Extended License to use this item in a larger stock item that will be sold on Envato Market.

Exception 3: When the smaller component is licensed as 100% GPL, you may use it within a larger stock item without needing special permission from the author.

Can I allow another Envato author to use my item within their stock item?

Yes, with the permission of the original author an item can be used inside a larger stock item or template sold via Envato.

If your items are exclusive, you can't sell or redistribute them elsewhere or on other sites outside of Envato. But you can give another Envato author permission to use your item in another, larger stock item (of a different scope and nature to your item) that is then sold via Envato without breaching your exclusivity.

For clarity, being sold via Envato includes any/all of the platforms in the Envato ecosystem (e.g. Envato Market, Envato Elements, Envato Hosted etc.)